Samsung has announced the launch of Samsung Internet 13.0. The new update comes with several privacy and security features including a secret mode that protects you from prying eyes. Samsung also believes this new update includes a better user experience and it has created a new Extension Application Programming Interface (API) so that developers can create third-party browser extensions.
Commenting on the update, Du Kim, VP and Head of Web R&D Group, Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics, said:
“At Samsung, we’re always optimizing our products and services to offer the best experience to our users. Our lives are increasingly lived online, as people try to stay informed and connected, so we wanted to make it easier for everyone to enjoy the best the internet has to offer with peace of mind, knowing you can count on us to keep you safe.”
Regarding security and privacy updates, Samsung Internet 13.0 adds a new permission request UI that displays a warning message if a website seems suspicious and is trying to trick you into allowing notifications. Another new privacy feature is called secret mode which lets you clear your browsing history as soon as you’ve closed all of your secret mode tabs. Secret mode tabs will have an icon displayed in the address bar to let you know secret mode is enabled.
With this update, Samsung says it has improved the overall user experience. The Korean firm has made the following changes:
- You can now use High contrast mode with Dark mode on, to make fonts and other components stand out even more.
- Samsung Internet 13.0 also introduces an Expandable App Bar for menus such as Bookmarks, Saved pages, History and Downloads.
- Get more screen space by hiding the status bar, to immerse yourself in the content you’re browsing.
- When watching a video in full screen with Video assistant, pause it by double tapping the middle of the screen.
- Easily edit the title of your bookmarks so that they’re easier to recognize and search.
Finally, Samsung has developed new API modules to allow third-party developers to create browser extensions. The new modules include WebRequest, Proxy, Cookies, Types, History, Alarms, Privacy, Notifications, Permissions, Idle and Management. Once a developer is happy with their extension, they can contact the Samsung Internet team which will validate, approve and add the developer’s extension to the Samsung Internet browser. Developers can find more information here.
Existing Samsung Internet users will soon receive a notification explaining that the new browser update is available. You can also download the latest version from the Google Play Store and the Galaxy Store.